“It’s been so long since I hit one I forgot how it felt,” Helton said. “It was a pretty well-played game and nice victory to get.”

The sixth-largest paid crowd in Camden Yards history – 49,004 – booed lustily after Helton’s home run, angry not with the Rockie but a young fan who speared the ball away from leaping center fielder David Newhan.

Helton’s blast – his first since May 14 – provided a cushion for Rockies starter Jason Jennings. Relying on a sneaky sinker and nasty slider, Jennings turned in one of the most impressive performances of his career, lifting the Rockies to 5-26 on the road. He struck out seven, including Sammy Sosa three times. Jennings defused five walks by extricating himself from bases-loaded jams in the second and sixth innings.

Rockies seek shortstop

With rookie Barmes likely lost for the season, the Rockies’ search for a backup shortstop reached Tampa Bay this week as they inquired about Alex Gonzalez. The Devil Rays’ top offseason addition, Gonzalez has hit .250 with four home runs as their regular third baseman. The 32-year-old’s one-year contract is affordable, $1.75 million with $750,000 deferred without interest.

Kennedy fails to impress

The prospect of the Rockies dealing Joe Kennedy in quick fashion diminished with his sluggish start Wednesday. Since initiating discussions two weeks ago, the A’s have remained the most aggressive pursuer. The Rockies have identified Jairo Garcia, whom Oakland called up Friday, and another reliever as their top targets. They would not have to take back outfielder Eric Byrnes to make the deal work. Kennedy, with bullpen threats looming, needs to pitch better in his next two starts to resume talks.

Promotion imminent

Barring any setback, veteran reliever Dan Miceli will join the Rockies on Monday in Houston, filling the spot vacated by injured right-hander Blaine Neal. Colorado placed Neal on the 15-day disabled list Friday with inflammation in his elbow. He will go back to Denver for an MRI. Before his arm problem, Neal angered the Rockies with his attitude and was expected to be designated for assignment.

“Nobody every says there arm is hurting when they are throwing well, but he did mention it first about 10 days ago,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

Feeling a draft

Kentucky prep pitcher Chaz Roe, selected 32nd overall in last week’s amateur draft, was finalizing contract details. The Rockies are expected to complete deals with several of their top-10 picks the next few days.

Top pick Troy Tulowitzki joined Single-A Modesto and will work out with the team for four days before beginning his professional career.

Footnotes

Outfielder Jay Payton wants out of Boston and the Rockies are expected to inquire if they can make the money work. Colorado would be willing to move reserve Dustan Mohr, who chose the Rockies over Boston last winter as a free agent. …

Former Rockies catcher Sal Fasano arrived a few hours before the game, returning from Chicago after the birth of his son, Angelo, in Chicago. “It’s been crazy the last few days,” he said. …

Aaron Cook will throw a bullpen session Saturday. He’s expected to return in July after the all-star break. …

The Rangers designated Pedro Astacio for assignment, leaving the team 10 days to trade or release him. The Rockies had interest in Astacio over the winter and could again if Kennedy is dealt.

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

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